FASHION REVOLUTION 2018

This entry was posted on April 24, 2018 by upasana.

“We are people from all around the world who make the fashion industry work. We are the people who wear clothes. And we are the people who make them. And we believe in a fashion industry that values people, the environment, creativity and profit in equal measure. We want to see fashion become a force for good. Fashion Revolution is a global movement that works for a more sustainable fashion industry, campaigning for a systemic reform of the industry with a special focus on the need for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain. Fashion Revolution works all year round to raise awareness of the fashion industry’s most pressing issues, advocate for positive change, and celebrate those who are on a journey to create a more ethical and sustainable future for fashion.

Much of the global fashion industry is opaque, exploitative and environmentally damaging and desperately needs revolutionary change. In April 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse shook the fashion world. And it ignited our movement for a better, fairer fashion industry. We want to unite the fashion industry and ignite a revolution to radically change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased. We believe that collaborating across the whole supply chain; from farmer to consumer; is the only way to transform the entire industry. Fashion Revolution brings everyone together to make that happen.

In order to make the fashion industry accountable and sustainable, we first need to make it transparent. Transparency means companies know who makes their clothes – from who stitched them right through to who dyed the fabric and who farmed the cotton — and under what conditions. Crucially, it requires brands to share this information publicly. We believe transparency is the first step to transform the industry. And it starts with one simple question: Who made my clothes?”

Upasana is a conscious fashion brand that has actively been part of the Fashion Revolution since its inception. Every year, we pick two of our employees and feature their stories. This year, we share with you the stories of Dinesh Dilba and Meena Ramu.

DINESH DILBA

Hailing from Nepalganj in Nepal, Dinesh came to Auroville looking for a new life. It was in 1999, that he came to Upasana as part of a Hand Flat Knitting team. Soon, with his leadership qualities, he was promoted to be the supervisor of the team. 19 years since, he is now the head of the Production team at Upasana, leading a team of 15 tailors and embroiderers.

At Upasana, I feel like I belong to a family. The team is united under a common purpose, to change the fashion industry. We function well together, with all departments of the company. I have learnt lot of new values and principles since I joined Upasana. I love the freedom that I get here, to grow in my professional and personal life.

MEENA RAMU

Meena joined Upasana in 2002. She has worked in every department of Upasana, starting as a cutting helper, to pattern-making and sampling. During her pregnancy, she even worked as a receptionist and embroiderer. She is from Alankuppam, a village near Auroville. She, as well as Dinesh, is a part of the decision making team of Upasana – The Panchayat.

My favorite part about Upasana is the people here. We are a big happy family here. We support each other and look out for each other. I also feel proud being a part of a company that uses natural and organic materials and promotes good values.

Fashion has power, the power to change lives. The lives of farmers, spinners, weavers, printers, tailors, designers and many more who have invisibly woven their souls into what we wear. Upasana honours them all, consciously, at every stage of crafting our products. Shifting fashion to touch the soul instead of just the body, we believe life is interconnected. Beauty is beyond vanity. The process of creation is as precious to us as giving you a beautiful product. We honour flaws in weaving as part of honouring life, streak of shade in dye as part of natural shades. We silently celebrate the fading of natural dyes as we gracefully watch ourselves change through time. We design for mortality while honouring life, nature and inner growth.